Members of the public say they are shocked to see armed police patrolling the streets in Lincolnshire following the Manchester terror attack, but say they find their presence reassuring.

The armed patrols have been out on the streets of Lincoln, Skegness and Boston after the UK threat level was raised from severe to critical, meaning a further attack could be imminent.

The high visibility patrols along the city centre streets caused a stir among shoppers in Lincoln who were surprised to see police with guns.

Following the initial shock, most members of the public seemed to be reassured by their presence.

Bishop Grosseteste University student, Faith Munday, 22 echoed the views of many: "Initially it is scary. You don't expect to see guns when you're walking down the street on a nice sunny day, but it is reassuring."

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Pat Holmes,73 from Lincoln was rather more relaxed about seeing armed police: "I have lived in Spain and Germany and you see them all the time there. I don't think it's really necessary though but it might help some people who are worried.

"I'm not worried because there's little chance of anything happening and we can't stop these things. You have to live your life."

Lincoln College student Joshua Lack, 23 said that he really appreciated having armed police around: "It's terrible what has happened in Manchester, but I am proud that we have got people like these police who are willing to put their lives on the line for us - they are a credit to our country.